DUCSU: Teachers’ Network demands punishment over female student’s 'gang rape' threat

The Dhaka University Teachers’ Network has demanded exemplary punishment for a student who allegedly threatened a female DUCSU election candidate with gang rape on social media, following legal action that challenged a rival candidate's eligibility.

At a press conference held Tuesday in front of Madhur Canteen, the Teachers’ Network strongly condemned the Facebook post made by Ali Husen, a fourth-year Sociology student and resident of Shaheed Sergeant Zahurul Haque Hall. The post targeted B.M. Fahmida Alam, a candidate from the “Aparajeyo 71 – Adamya 24” panel, after she filed a writ petition in the High Court questioning the candidacy of SM Farhad, General Secretary (GS) candidate from a Shibir-backed panel.

According to the teachers, Husen wrote on Facebook that “instead of protesting the High Court decision, she should be marched for gang rape,” adding that those supporting her would be treated the same.

“This is not only a threat to an individual but an attack on our democratic values,” said Tahmina Khanam, speaking on behalf of the Teachers’ Network. “Ali Husen must face exemplary punishment through due process to deter such hateful behavior in the future.”

The offensive post triggered immediate backlash from student groups. Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal and several left-leaning student organizations organized protests across campus, accusing Husen of being a member of Islami Chhatra Shibir. Ironically, Shibir itself later submitted a written complaint to the university administration demanding action against him.

Two other formal complaints were also submitted to the university’s proctor by DUCSU candidates, prompting the administration to form a three-member investigation committee. Headed by Assistant Proctor Muhammad Mahbub Kaisar, the committee includes Assistant Proctors Sehrin Amin Bhuiyan and Md. Rezaul Karim Sohag, and has been instructed to complete its report swiftly.

The incident follows a legal challenge filed by Fahmida Alam on Sunday against SM Farhad’s eligibility. The writ petition argued that Farhad had been affiliated with Chhatra League as recently as August 5, questioning how he could then contest the election as a Shibir-backed candidate.

The High Court responded by temporarily suspending the DUCSU election until October 30 and ordered the university's election tribunal to investigate the matter and report back within 15 days.

However, after protests erupted on campus, Dhaka University authorities appealed to the Appellate Division's chamber court, which stayed the High Court order—allowing the election process to resume.

In addition to their condemnation of the threat, the Teachers’ Network issued several proposals aimed at ensuring a fair and secure DUCSU election. Key among their demands includes increasing the number of voting booths in proportion to the voter population, extending the voting deadline to 5 p.m, enforcing electoral code of conduct with clearly defined penalties, combating cyberbullying and online harassment targeting students and faculty and providing adequate transport facilities for non-residential students.

Khanam emphasized the need for transparency in the election process. “The university must present a clear plan for voting logistics, booth allocation, and time management,” she said. “Any complaints from students must be addressed promptly and fairly.”

On the issue of online abuse, the Teachers’ Network urged the administration to take strict action against social media pages or groups that spread defamatory content about students and faculty. “Such platforms not only harm individual reputations but tarnish the university’s image,” Khanam added.

The Teachers’ Network also raised concerns about the suspension of classes and exams due to the election. While the university initially canceled all academic activities from September 7 to 10, the decision was later revised to only suspend activities from September 8 to 10.

The teachers proposed that exams be postponed on September 7 and 8, but regular classes should continue. “Only election day should see a full academic shutdown,” Khanam said. “We expect cooperation from all stakeholders to implement this balanced approach.”

Other Teachers’ Network members present at the press conference included Professor Kamrul Hasan Mamun, Professor Samina Luthfa, and Associate Professor Moshahida Sultana.